Tatsuki Fujimoto has made a name for himself in the world of manga and anime over the past decade, becoming famous for the hugely popular manga series Chainsaw Man. Praised for his ability to create great stories while incorporating strange, unpredictable plot twistsHis most famous series buries intimate character studies under the guise of a twisted hero's tale. And while his stories often prefer to hide much of their essence under the covers, Fujimoto will never hesitate to slap his audience in the face with their themes.
Although Chainsaw Man dominates much of the discussion surrounding the author, some of his greatest works are found in the many one-shots released before and during the series' run. And with the recent anime adaptation of Looking backPerhaps his most famous one-shot, a larger audience is now being introduced to Fujimoto's true talent.
The story of the growth of two young artists, Fujino and Kyomoto, whose names form the two halves of Fujimoto, is one of the most intimate, profound, and powerful stories told in anime and manga in recent years..
Look Back is a powerful story about the pain and joy of creation.
The artist's journey plays a central role in the story.
Look Back started humbly.follows a young girl named Fujino who creates short yonkoma gag-manga comics in the comic book style for her school newspaper. Her classmates all praise her work, until another mysterious student also submits a much higher quality comic to the newspaper. In frustration, Fujino gave up painting, disillusioned with his own inability to do so.. She is then assigned to deliver a diploma to the home of another student, who coincidentally happens to be another young woman who is creating comics for the Kyomoto newspaper.
What follows is an incredibly moving journey into the lives of two young, aspiring artists, as their unwavering determination to improve their talents brings them closer together.. And just as Fujino and Kyomoto began to receive attention for their work, creative differences eventually tore the two characters apart. Before the heartwarming moments of success and devastating tragedy, this insight into the process of becoming an artist is one of Fujimoto's greatest artistic contributions.
Anime Adaptation Look Back Breathes Life into Fujimoto's Paintings
The studio behind the anime adaptation added a vibrant touch to Fujimoto's work
Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama and produced by Studio Durian, the animated film adaptation of Look Back was released in Japanese theaters on June 28, 2024. The film received positive reviews from both critics, fans of the original manga, and even the legendary Hideo Kojima, and was eventually scheduled for a North American release by GKIDS Films on October 4, 2024. Fujimoto himself praised the film on X, where he expressed his admiration for the film's ability to convey some things that he couldn't convey in his manga.
Translation via X: “I went to the preview screening of Look Back. It was a film that conveyed the talent and passion of the people involved in the production. They carefully selected things that I couldn't have selected myself, so I want everyone who has read the original to watch it too! Thank you to everyone who participated in the original manga and anime!”
– Tatsuki Fujimoto (@nagayama_koharu via X)
With the reception that Look Back has received, despite not yet being released in North America, Many believe that the film will become one of the best films in recent years.. Its premise is very grounded, while still retaining a bit of Fujimoto's signature quirkyness, demonstrates the author's great storytelling talent. With the second part of Chainsaw Man seemingly entering its climax, the author may soon return to releasing great one-shots like Look Back.
